12 Amazing Side Dishes That Go Perfectly with Ham Steak

As a busy mom who loves cooking, I’m always looking for quick and easy dinner ideas to feed my family One of my go-to meals is a nice ham steak with some delicious side dishes The ham steak cooks up fast, is packed with flavor, and pairs well with so many sides.

In this article, I’ll share 12 of my favorite side dishes that complement ham steak perfectly. These are sides that I’ve tested and tweaked over the years to find the best matches. Whether you’re cooking for two or for a crowd, you’ll find plenty of options here for any night of the week.

An Overview of Ham Steak

Ham steak is cut from the thigh portion of the pig’s hind leg. It contains a cross-section of the leg bone, usually about 1-inch thick. Ham steaks are quick-cooking – just throw them in a skillet or pop under the broiler for a few minutes per side.

The steak has a lovely pink interior with a savory brown outer crust You get the classic salty, smokey ham flavor in each tasty bite! It’s a nice alternative to using a whole ham roast when you don’t need that much meat

Now let’s get to those side dishes! Here are 12 of my personal favorites:

12 Amazing Sides to Serve with Ham Steak

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are one of my favorite comfort foods. They pair so nicely with the saltiness of ham. I like to roast cubed sweet potatoes until tender then mash them with a little butter brown sugar, and cinnamon. The sweet flavor complements the ham perfectly.

2. Mac and Cheese

You just can’t go wrong with mac and cheese, right? This cheesy pasta side is a hit with kids and adults alike. To make it next level, I add crispy panko breadcrumbs on top along with a dash of paprika. The creaminess of the mac and cheese balances out the ham steak wonderfully.

3. Crispy Green Beans

For a lighter option, try oven roasted green beans. Toss whole green beans with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F until browned and crispy. The fresh green veggies pair nicely with the salty smoked ham. The crunch adds great texture.

4. Collard Greens

Down South, collard greens are a classic side for ham and other smoked meats. Simmer the greens low and slow with smoked turkey wings or ham hocks. The rich, meaty pot liquor that forms is heavenly ladled over the greens. This soulful side was meant for ham steak!

5. Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are another indulgent side that complements ham steak fabulously. You can assemble them easily with sliced russet potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar, and a touch of nutmeg. Bake until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly on top.

6. Grilled Pineapple

For a fun, fruity addition I love to grill pineapple slices to serve alongside the ham. The sweet, juicy pineapple with nice char marks adds beautiful color to the plate. It also balances the saltiness of the ham. Try brushing the slices with a honey glaze before grilling. Yum!

7. Creamed Corn

Another creamy vegetable option is creamed corn. I make an easy stovetop version by sautéing corn kernels cut from the cob in butter, then stirring in heavy cream and shredded cheese until thick and creamy. Ladle it over the ham steak for comfort food magic.

8. Coleslaw

Cool cabbage coleslaw is a classic combo with ham. To make it from scratch, finely shred green and purple cabbage, carrots, and onions. Toss with mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and caraway or celery seeds. Let it chill before serving. The crunchy coleslaw cuts the richness of the ham.

9. Cornbread

Warm cornbread right out of the oven may be one of life’s greatest pleasures. For the cornbread, I use cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and just a touch of honey for sweetness. The slightly crumbly texture and toasted corn flavor match up so well with a hearty ham steak dinner.

10. Baked Beans

No ham dinner is complete without baked beans! You can easily doctor up canned beans, or make homemade beans from scratch. I simmer navy beans low and slow with bacon, onions, brown sugar, ketchup and spices. The sweet, smoky beans pair heavenly with the salty ham.

11. Roasted Root Vegetables

For a hearty one-pan meal, roast root veggies like potatoes, carrots, parsnips and onions right alongside the ham steak. Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs, then roast on a sheet pan at 400°F, flipping halfway. Their natural sweetness balances the ham perfectly.

12. Sauteed Kale

Lastly, some quick sautéed kale adds color and nutrition. I like to cook chopped kale with olive oil and garlic until just wilted, then finish with a splash of lemon juice. The fresh, slightly bitter kale helps cut the richness of the ham steak.

Tips for Cooking Ham Steak

I’ll leave you with a few quick tips for cooking up juicy, flavorful ham steaks:

• Let the steak sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.

• Use a non-stick skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

• Brush both sides with a little honey, brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

• Add a pat of butter to the pan near the end for flavor. Baste the steak as it cooks.

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook to at least 140°F.

• Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.